Ruthless Mate - Chapter 12: Chapter 12

There were a few elderly people in front of them and each one of them looked extremely intimidating.
She tried to appear calm and composed but her heart was beating at an abnormal pace.
"Here," Draken said as he handed one of them the sheets and they stared at it and inhaled.
Aurora gulped. Involuntarily her hand grasped his hand tightly.
When they looked at her all at once, her heart dropped and unconsciously she stepped closer to Draken. She was about to hide behind his back but he squeezed her hand.
It was a small gesture but for her, it seemed to boost her confidence as she stood by his side facing the elders with courage. Though she kept her eyes down in respect and also she was scared to look in their eyes.
Draken noticed one of the elders staring at Aurora's neck. There was no mark there.
"I want to conduct her Luna ceremony as soon as possible." He said trying to change their attention and it seemed to work.
"Of course, Alpha. We'll arrange for it." One of them said as Draken gave a slight nod before he turned to face her.
He grabbed her arms and made her look at him. "I'm going to the packhouse to attend the meeting. You take care of yourself," He said calmly and she was stunned by his voice as she dropped her gaze. It wasn't cold but rather calm just like in the morning.
Was this all an act in front of the elders? But then what was all that in the morning?
Her pupils dilated and her lips parted slightly when he guided two of his fingers under her chin and tilted her face up.
Her heart did a wild thump in her chest as he inched closer. His hot breath hit her ear and then he gave a gentle kiss on her cheek. The electrifying sparks startled her completely as her breath hitched.
"Play along, princess," he rasped. "And close your mouth sweetheart." He huskily whispered in her ear. His ragged breath made her hearing sensitive.
She abruptly closed her mouth and forced a smile on her face while gazing at him.
The elders stared at the duo with keen eyes as Draken walked past them.
"It's nice to meet you, Luna." One of them said as they slightly bowed at Aurora. She stiffened at that huge respect towards her. She wasn't used to such things. "Please, don't bow." She whispered as the elders stood straight smiling at her.
Draken watched over his shoulder. It wasn't a surprise that his pack was warming up to her because after all she seemed so sweet and nice but now she was the Luna of his pack and she had to be strong for everything that would come her way.
Draken walked out of the mansion followed by the elders. Once they all left, Aurora hurried to the door and closed the door, locking it.
She leaned against the door and sighed. Her heart was thumping in her ears as she cupped her cheek where he had kissed. A shudder ran down her spine because she could still feel his lips on her skin. The graze of his beard on her jaw.
She gulped, shaking her head as red colored her cheeks.
Oh, God.
She breathed in deeply to calm herself down. She padded into the kitchen and contemplated for a while. There were cooks back in her pack house so they barely ever let her cook. It didn't mean she was null in cooking. She still knows a few dishes.
She checked the kitchen for ingredients. There was barely anything there, how did Charlotte even make food there?
Aurora ended up making pancakes and there was nothing she could put on them because there were no ingredients so she ate the plain pancakes quietly and drank some juice.
Once done she washed the dishes and walked into her room. Opening the suitcase, she took out her phone. The battery was barely fifteen percent. Aurora dialed for Rasmus and he picked up on the second call.
"Aurora? Are you okay? Why was your phone switched off? We are so worried about you. Say something," Rasmus was frantic, and hearing him all worried for her broke her heart.
She breathed in deeply, stopping herself from crying because it pained her to be away from her family.
"I'm fine. Please don't stress yourselves." She whispered in a small voice and Rasmus sighed.
"Did he hurt you?" He asked.
"No, he didn't. I'm fine. I just... miss you guys so much." Aurora said and she could hear Rasmus breathing deeply as if to calm himself down.
"Agatha is looking for ways. Don't worry, we'll get you out of there soon." He assured her and she sadly smiled.
"I know," She whispered and they talked for a while until her phone tinged indicating that her phone battery was about to die. She said goodbye and cut the call and at that exact moment her phone shut down.
She sighed. From where could she get a charger?
She couldn't ask Charlotte. What if she told Draken and he would snatch her phone? She can't afford that but then again. She shouldn't think of him so wrong but his first impression was terrifying and his image in her head can't be changed so easily.
Maybe he wasn't as bad as he shows the world.
Walking out of her room, she stepped into his room. Luckily it was unlocked.
She padded into the room and hurriedly checked the drawers or the places where she could find a charger but there was nothing.
Sighing, she walked back to her room and sat on the bed contemplating.
A few minutes later the doorbell rang and she sprung to her feet praying for it to be Charlotte rather than Draken.
She made her way to the main door and unlocked it. Charlotte stood there. She had a concerned look on her face.
She got in and closed the door. Grabbing Aurora's hand she took her to the lounge and both the girl sat down.
"You agreed to sleep with him?" Charlotte asked.
Aurora's eyes widened and she looked away biting the inside of her cheek. She could tell her, after all, she was Draken's friend as well. She won't leak the truth. But she could also ask her for a charger as well can't she?
"Ummm... the evidence is fake," Aurora whispered and Charlotte's brows knitted together.
"What?"
"I said no and he listened," Aurora said and Charlotte's frown deepened, and then she put the two and two together and sighed in relief.
"I told you he's a good guy," Charlotte beamed and Aurora stayed quiet.
She still had to observe him more to come to that conclusion.
"So what's your plan for today?" Charlotte asked.
"Nothing," Aurora mumbled.
"Then, let's go visit our pack market. You'll love it." Charlotte said and Aurora's eyes lit up. She'll feel better and refreshed.
"I'm ready," Aurora beamed and Charlotte laughed as both the girls left the mansion.
Aurora was in awe of the place. It was cold outside but thanks to the sunlight which provided them with enough warmth.
They walked through the buzzing streets. Kids were running around playing. The shopkeepers have a smile on their faces as they tend to their customers.
The jewelry there was historically beautiful as Charlotte explained to her about their culture and norms. Aurora was surprised, the culture she read about in the books of their history was still followed by the North pack to this date. This explains why the elders were so serious about that ritual.
In the evening Charlotte treated her to street food and it was so spicy and delicious. Aurora wanted to buy some things but she had no money on her so she stayed mum.
All of a sudden Charlotte had a faraway look as she froze and within a few seconds, she was normal again.
"It's getting late, let's head back," Charlotte said and Aurora agreed despite her wanting to stay there for some more time.
Charlotte dropped her at the mansion before she left for the packhouse.
Aurora got inside using the spare key that Charlotte gave her. The whole place was drowned in pitch-black darkness.
Just as she took a few steps in, the lights turned on. Draken stood there leaning against the wall. He had a cold look marring his face and she gulped.
Was he mad at her for going out with Charlotte?
Her eyes fell on the object in his hand and her heart dropped.
He was holding her phone.